ASHLAND, Ky.-Rush Janes of Fairmont,
W.Va., battled a host of distractions, yet still managed
to win medalist honors in the Boys Division of the AJGA
Henry-Griffitts Bluegrass Junior Invitational Qualifier
after posting a 1-over-par 71 Monday. Jenna Schmidt
of Lenoir, N.C., and Whitney Wade of Glasgow, Ky., both
qualified after sharing first place in the Girls Division
with rounds of 6-over-par 76.

Monday's qualifier, conducted by the American
Junior Golf Association at Bellefonte Country Club,
featured 91 players from 17 states. The Pepsi Qualifier
Series presented by ClubCorp offers juniors the opportunity
to earn spots in AJGA tournaments.

The 16-year-old Janes was unable to warm-up after facing
a 4:00 a.m. wake-up call and a lengthy commute prior
to beginning his qualifying round. The third time proved
to be the charm for Janes, as he qualified for his first
AJGA event in his third attempt.

"It was a little iffy when I walked out there
this morning (because of all the distractions),"
he said. "But after two holes, I was two-under
and then I just kept hitting the ball well the rest
of the round."

On the par-3 12th hole, he left his tee shot eight
inches from the hole, narrowly missing his first hole-in-one.

Andrew Deye of Cincinnati, Ohio, qualified in second
by carding a 2-over-par 72. Finishing in third was Jamie
Frazier of Glasgow, Ky., at 73. Chris Childs of Jefferson,
Ohio, was fourth at 74. Joe Shaffer of Bryan, Ohio,
Mark Erlewine of Union, Ky., and Charlie Mueller of
Charleston, W. Va., tied for fifth and qualified with
scores of 5-over-par 75.

Charlie Hendrickson of Galloway, Ohio, Blake Isernhagen
of Lexington, Ky., and Mo Littleford of Johnson City,
Tenn., emerged from a pack of six golfers tied at 76
to qualify for the tournament field after two sudden-death
playoff holes.

In the Girls Division, Jenna Schmidt and Whitney Wade
turned in identical scores of 76 to join the field in
this week's tournament. Schmidt hit 16 greens in regulation
during her round that saw her make two birdies and eight
pars.

"I just tried to hit the greens and make some
pars," the 17-year-old Schmidt said. "And
today I was successful."

The American Junior Golf Foundation is the primary recipient of all charitable giving to the AJGA and as such administers a variety of programs designed to compliment the AJGA and the members and families who make up our community. Learn more about these important programs and how your contributions to the Foundation secure the AJGA’s financial future for future generations to come.

The Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant program provides financial assistance to junior golfers who wish to play in AJGA events. Its goal is to give top-flight golf opportunities to young golfers regardless of financial resources. This program helps to fulfill the AJGA’s mission of developing young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.

Leadership Links

What is Leadership Links?

Leadership Links is a new program whereby the AJGA is able to further its mission to help develop young men and women by teaching charitable giving skills and service-oriented practices at an early age. This program gives juniors all the tools necessary to donate their time, talent and resources to local charities and the AJGA youth development programs. Please click here to learn more about the program and the different opportunities available.

The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and
development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.